Receive Notice Of Escaped Prison Inmates By Phone

April 4, 2012

The Florida Department of Corrections has launched a new automated telephone system to alert residents living near a state correctional facility in the event of an emergency. The new ALERT Notification Service will keep residents informed of prison escapes, and can also be used in other emergency situations, such as when an Amber or Silver Alert is issued.

To register for the service, residents should call a toll free hotline at (866) 358-5977 and register their phone number and the facility’s zip code. Zip codes for North Escambia area prisons are: 32535 — Century CI and Century Work Camp; 32565 — Berrydale; and 32583 — Santa Rosa CI and Annex.

Registrants will receive detailed information about an escapee including a physical description and the time of the escape. The automated calls will also relay specific information on other emergencies that could impact nearby homes.

“This continues our commitment to ensure the safety of citizens living near one of our facilities,” said Department of Correction Secretary Ken Tucker. “We work very hard to keep our facilities safe for everyone. This new service makes it possible for us to alert citizens at a moment’s notice if problems arise.”

Notifications messages aren’t limited to those living near a specific institution. When needed, notifications will be sent to all registrants across the state. If the registrant moves, they can use the automated line to update their registration information.

“The ALERT Notification Service will also benefit correctional facilities,” added Tucker. “As residents receive offender descriptions, they can be the additional eyes and ears that can help us locate a missing inmate.”

Escapes from the secure perimeter of a prison are rare, with the last one occurring in 2005.

Comments

One Response to “Receive Notice Of Escaped Prison Inmates By Phone”

  1. 429SCJ on April 4th, 2012 5:56 am

    A great idea. I remember in Atmore, we would hear about escapes through the radio station, or word of neighbor. The lady across the street would bring her brood over to our home or vice versa and we would lock down. I remember her and my mother peeking through the curtains, acting as if the escapees. were making a beeline for Horner Street. This new system will hopefully, have less of an alarming effect.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News